Moat House Hotels target China through 4oceans' ResConnect

Electronic reservations specialist 4oceans has signed an agreement for its ResConnect distribution system with leading UK hotel operator Moat House Hotels.

The agreement opens the door to the fast growing Chinese market for all 36 UK Moat House hotels, with the properties now bookable online by all Asia agents connected to the 4oceans platform.

By implementing ResConnect Moat House Hotels will be able to market promotional offers, rates and product information to thousands of agents around the world, including over 3,000 in China.

David Vickers, Head of Distribution for Moat House Hotels, said: "The agreement with 4oceans marks a key stage in the future development of Moat House Hotels, providing us with access to important new distribution channels. China is showing incredible growth, with outbound travel by Chinese residents reaching over 12.1 million in 2001. We want to be a part of its tourism future, with our properties ideal for both the business and leisure markets and 4oceans' technology allowing us to build business through China's core agents."

Agents will gain access to the complete range of Moat House properties, with at-a-glance room availability, guaranteed reservations and instant booking confirmations in a real time, on-line environment direct with Moat House's in-house Property Management System via the Pegasus Central Reservations System in use at Moat House Hotels UK.

Juliette Newth, Hotel Relations Account Manager for 4oceans, added: "A growing number of agents around the world are choosing to connect to the 4oceans reservation system, providing hoteliers with influential new channels to market. Moat House Hotels have a strong reputation and with properties throughout the UK they offer a comprehensive product choice for agents both in the key market of China and throughout the rest of the world."

Moat House Hotels offer three and four star standard properties throughout the UK, providing conference, meeting and business facilities to the corporate market, in addition to a range of leisure breaks.

David Yates, CEO of 4oceans noted: "With growing awareness of the massive potential created by the opening up of the Chinese market more and more hotel groups are looking to 4oceans' technology to help them maximise their own potential. 

"Many are already seeing the benefits, and Moat House is the latest to take the first step into emerging markets. This supports our vision to become the gateway between the emerging and developed travel markets, providing agents with an enhanced product, more diverse choice and a greater reach of properties."